Few things are more fun than a studio tour, and this week we weaseled our way into Amanda Tucker's delightful atelier. Amanda is a former Charleston resident who now lives in Richmond, VA with her husband and wee daughter. At first glance, Amanda's art is playful and whimsical. There's lots of pink and flamingos - and that makes our little hearts happy. However...

Wait. Let's look at those flamingos first...

Okay, and the giraffe....

However, there is something sophisticated and deeply contemplative about Amanda's use of color, even in these playful pieces. Her nudes and silhouettes are a revelation.

Wow. Right?

So we talked to Amanda about what makes her tick, and here's what she had to say:

Q: Tell us about how you came to be an artist.

A: I have always enjoyed drawing since I was a child and then all through out my school years. After graduating I was accepted into VCU school of the Art's where I received my bachelors in Fine Arts with a major in Painting and Printmaking. In school I was challenged by my talented professors to really step outside my comfort zone and grow as an Artist. While in school I also learned how to not only critique and analyze others work but my own as well. To this day while I'm painting I still hear some of the most talented voices. "Look closely at the colors you see. Dig deeper, what is the light reflecting?" Or "Amanda great marks but I want to see you be brave. Mark your page fearlessly. Don't lift up your pencil and hesitate. Just do it." I'm grateful for the time I spent studying my craft at VCU and this has helped me now to continue to use the tools they gave me to keep growing as an Artist and to continue to challenge myself.

Q: Your work has so much peaceful energy - how do you choose your colors?

A: I love playing with color. I love discovering the combinations that can create a completely different mood or feeling. I like the challenge of creating something that you still recognize the subject but I've played up the colors and was specific with my mark making. I'm currently drawn to a pastel color palette but as I create its evolving and I'm starting to play with bright and fluid colors.

Q: What's your connection to Charleston - and what's life like in Richmond for you?

A: I lived on Isle of Palms, SC with my husband for about five years. We loved living on the island and I worked downtown on King street. It was a great balance of the beautiful and busy downtown life to my home on the island where everything slowed down. Our time on the Island greatly influences my love for the coastal subjects. I currently live in Richmond, Va with my husband and little girl where we both grew up. I paint or create daily. I carry a sketchbook around and am constantly practicing my craft. Art is my passion and escape. After the family goes to bed I work in my studio for hours, releasing the stress of the day of running a business.

We have a very nice selection of Amanda's work right now, including those flamingos, the giraffe and the silhouettes. Come pick your favorite.